Foreword

Often the hearts of men and women are stirred, as likewise they are soothed in their sorrows, more by example than by words. And therefore, because I too have known some consolation from speech had with one who was a witness thereof, am I now minded to write of the sufferings which have sprung out of my misfortunes, for the eyes of one who, though absent, is of himself ever a consoler. This I do so that, in comparing your sorrows with mine, you may discover that yours are in truth nought, or at the most but of small account, and so shall you come to bear them more easily.

People’s hearts are often moved, and their sorrows comforted, more by examples than by words. I too have found some comfort in speaking with someone who witnessed my suffering. So I now wish to write about the suffering my misfortunes have caused. I write for you, who, though absent, are always a comforter yourself. I hope that, by comparing your sorrows with mine, you may find that yours are really nothing, or at most very small. Then you may bear them more easily.